$$$ To burn on a TV, need suggestions

Don't get plasma. They wear out.

Don't get EDTV. You'll be sorry you didn't get HDTV with full 1080i ability.

HDTV-ready is fine. You can always get a tuner later (DirecTV HD or cable box or OTA tuner).

You probably want widescreen.

You can't afford an LCD TV of a reasonable (30'' and above) size and quality without spending about a grand more.

If you want a bigger screen, look for a LCD or DLP rear projection screen. They're much better and lighter than old-school rear projection TVs, and have a much smaller footprint.

You can also consider a traditional direct view set that's big and heavy. Sony's 30" and 34" widescreen direct view sets are reviewed very well, and are in your price range.

 

Unless you are going to be getting your HDTV over-the-air (OTA), I would not invest in a TV with a tuner in it. If HDTV is coming via digital cable, or sat, just get an HDTV-Ready "monitor".

I would suggest widescreen, even tho most programming you watch will be Standard Def 4x3. You'll want the widescreen for movies and HDTV.

Rear-projection will probably give you the most bang for your buck, but I'm not up on current prices, so don't quote me on that. Flat is better - so if you get a tube TV, I would advise getting a flat-screen HDTV-Ready unit. Easier to control glare, better picture geometry, etc etc.

My uncle got a widescreen Sony VEGA tube unit that is very nice. I think it's HDTV capable, but I'm not positive. Thing was a heavy-ass mofo (I helped move it into the house). My pops has a Sony widescreen RP HDTV monitor. Very nice. I have a Sony VEGA SD flatscreen tube unit that I really like - it's got a special mode for DVD's that increases the resolution (acts like a slightly smaller widescreen unit) that is hella-cool. But there are lots of good alternatives out there to Sony.

 

I suggest this..
http://www.tvhistory.tv/1974-Zenith-Ad.JPG
I still own the one my parents bought in 74 brand new (our first color set)
it still works and Its still my regular use TV
It was built about 15 miles from my home a great TV built by americans.
Sorry.. but TV's now suck ass.The picture quality is NOT that much better (or really all that important) IMO to warrant paying thousands of dollars on something you'll toss in five years.